With over 10,000 beaches scattered along 34,000 kilometres of coastline, Australia is blessed with some of the world's most spectacular stretches of sand. From the iconic surf breaks of the east coast to the pristine turquoise waters of Western Australia, our beaches offer something for everyone. This comprehensive guide explores the best beaches in each state and territory, helping you discover your next coastal destination.
Whether you're seeking family-friendly swimming spots, world-class surf breaks, or secluded coves where you might be the only visitor, Australia's diverse coastline delivers. Pack your towel and sunscreen—here are the beaches that should be on every Australian's bucket list.
New South Wales
New South Wales boasts an incredible diversity of beaches, from Sydney's famous harbour and ocean beaches to the untouched stretches of the South Coast and Byron Bay's laid-back shores.
Iconic Beaches
Bondi Beach (Sydney): Australia's most famous beach needs little introduction. This iconic crescent of sand draws millions of visitors yearly with its lively atmosphere, excellent surf, and vibrant café culture. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is a must-do experience.
Hyams Beach (Jervis Bay): Renowned for having some of the whitest sand in the world, Hyams Beach offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The turquoise water against brilliant white sand creates an almost tropical appearance.
Byron Bay: The Main Beach at Byron Bay combines excellent swimming conditions with a relaxed hippie vibe. Wategos Beach, just around the headland, offers a more secluded experience with great surf for intermediate riders.
Visit Bondi early morning (before 7am) for a peaceful experience before the crowds arrive. Early birds often share the beach only with local swimmers doing their daily ocean laps.
Hidden Gems
Murrays Beach (Jervis Bay): Less crowded than Hyams but equally beautiful, Murrays Beach offers the same pristine conditions with more space to spread out.
Cabarita Beach (Northern NSW): A quieter alternative to Byron Bay with excellent surf breaks and a relaxed local community.
Queensland
Queensland's coastline stretches from the Gold Coast's famous surf beaches through to the tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef. Warm water year-round makes this a beach lover's paradise.
Iconic Beaches
Whitehaven Beach (Whitsundays): Regularly voted one of the world's best beaches, Whitehaven's seven kilometres of pure white silica sand are simply breathtaking. The swirling patterns of Hill Inlet, where the tide shifts the sand into ever-changing designs, are iconic Australian imagery.
Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast): The quintessential Australian beach holiday destination. Surfers Paradise combines a long stretch of golden sand with a bustling foreshore of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Noosa Main Beach: Protected by Noosa National Park, this north-facing beach offers calm swimming conditions and a sophisticated atmosphere. The nearby national park provides excellent coastal walking tracks.
Hidden Gems
Mission Beach: Cassowary Coast's four-kilometre stretch of golden sand is wonderfully uncrowded, with rainforest reaching down to the shore and islands visible offshore.
Cylinder Beach (North Stradbroke Island): A beautiful curve of sand accessible by ferry from Brisbane, offering excellent swimming and patrolled conditions in a relaxed island setting.
- Box jellyfish are present in northern Queensland waters from November to May
- Swim within stinger nets at patrolled beaches during this period
- Wear a stinger suit for additional protection when snorkelling
Victoria
Victoria's coastline offers dramatic beauty, from the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the sheltered bays of the Mornington Peninsula. Waters are cooler, but the scenery is unforgettable.
Iconic Beaches
Bells Beach: World-famous among surfers, Bells Beach hosts the longest-running professional surfing competition. Even non-surfers appreciate the dramatic cliffside setting and powerful waves.
St Kilda Beach (Melbourne): Melbourne's most accessible beach offers swimming, sailing, and the famous St Kilda pier with its resident fairy penguin colony. The beachside promenade is perfect for sunset walks.
Squeaky Beach (Wilsons Promontory): Named for the sound your feet make on the unique quartz sand, this beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park offers pristine swimming conditions surrounded by native bushland.
Hidden Gems
Point Leo Beach (Mornington Peninsula): A beautiful family beach with calm conditions, backed by the acclaimed Point Leo Estate sculpture park and restaurant.
Lorne: This Great Ocean Road gem offers excellent swimming, a picturesque town with great cafes, and waterfalls to explore nearby.
Western Australia
Western Australia's beaches are among the country's most pristine, with turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean. The remote northwest offers truly untouched coastal wilderness.
Iconic Beaches
Turquoise Bay (Ningaloo Reef): This small beach on Ningaloo Reef offers world-class snorkelling directly from shore. Drift snorkel with the current alongside reef sharks, manta rays, and abundant tropical fish.
Cable Beach (Broome): Twenty-two kilometres of stunning white sand and turquoise water, with famous camel rides at sunset. The colours during the dry season sunset are legendary.
Cottesloe Beach (Perth): Perth's most popular beach offers clear water, Norfolk Island pines, and the iconic art deco pavilion. Excellent cafes line the foreshore.
Hidden Gems
Lucky Bay (Cape Le Grand National Park): Known for its friendly kangaroos that lounge on the beach, Lucky Bay features brilliant white sand and startlingly blue water.
Greens Pool (Denmark): A naturally protected rock pool creating perfect swimming conditions, surrounded by enormous granite boulders and crystal-clear water.
Ningaloo Reef is one of few places on Earth where you can snorkel with whale sharks (seasonally), and the reef is accessible directly from the beach—no boat required.
South Australia
South Australia offers diverse coastal experiences, from Adelaide's metropolitan beaches to the dramatic coastline of the Eyre and Fleurieu Peninsulas.
Iconic Beaches
Glenelg Beach (Adelaide): Adelaide's most popular beach is accessible by heritage tram from the city. The vibrant foreshore offers cafes, entertainment, and excellent swimming conditions.
Vivonne Bay (Kangaroo Island): Voted Australia's best beach multiple times, this curve of pristine white sand offers swimming, fishing, and wildlife spotting in a remarkably unspoiled setting.
Hidden Gems
Maslin Beach: South of Adelaide, Maslin offers dramatic cliffs, excellent swimming, and notably, Australia's first legal nude beach at its southern end.
Coffin Bay: The beaches around Coffin Bay on the Eyre Peninsula are spectacularly wild and often deserted, perfect for those seeking solitude.
Tasmania
Tasmania's beaches offer dramatic beauty in a cooler climate. Wine glass-shaped bays, white sand, and often complete solitude await visitors.
Iconic Beaches
Wineglass Bay (Freycinet National Park): Regularly ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, the view from the lookout down to this perfect curve of white sand and blue water is unforgettable.
Bay of Fires: Stretching along Tasmania's northeast coast, the Bay of Fires features brilliant orange lichen-covered boulders, white sand, and crystal-clear water. Swimming is bracing but beautiful.
Hidden Gems
Friendly Beaches: Just north of Freycinet, these beaches offer similar beauty to Wineglass Bay but with far fewer visitors.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory's coastline requires caution due to crocodiles and marine stingers, but safe swimming spots do exist, particularly around Darwin.
Safe Swimming Options
Mindil Beach (Darwin): Famous for its sunset markets, Mindil Beach is best enjoyed from the sand rather than in the water due to croc and stinger risks. The markets (dry season only) are a must-experience.
Darwin Waterfront: The wave lagoon and recreation lagoon at Darwin Waterfront offer safe, croc-free swimming in a modern development.
For beach swimming in the Territory, many locals travel south to the beaches around Katherine or head to crocodile-free freshwater swimming holes inland.
Planning Your Beach Visit
When planning visits to Australia's best beaches, consider:
- Seasonality: Northern beaches are best in the dry season (April-October) to avoid stingers; southern beaches are best in summer (December-February)
- Accommodation: Popular beaches book out quickly during holidays—plan ahead
- Safety: Always check conditions and swim at patrolled beaches when possible
- Environmental care: Leave only footprints; protect these precious places for future generations
Australia's beaches are national treasures that offer endless opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature. Whatever your beach preference, from bustling surf spots to secluded coves, our coastline has something special waiting for you.